Smart control apparatus, system, method, and computer-readable recording media for a wireless network

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, system, method, and computer-readable recording media perform smart control in a wireless network, which includes a plurality of wireless devices. Configuration parameters are obtained to set one wireless device as an active master device in the wireless network. The active master device receives updates in the configuration parameters and learned station (STA) information, and periodically transmits the updates to the configuration parameters and the learned STA information to the other wireless devices in the wireless network. Any one of the other wireless devices in the wireless network can use the updates to the configuration parameters and the learned STA information to be set as a new active master device in the wireless network when the active master device becomes out of network.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter of the present disclosure relates generally to theimplementing of smart control devices in a wireless network such as amesh network.

BACKGROUND

There has been a rapid rise in the use of wireless devices in wirelessnetworks, which has increased traffic drastically, degraded the qualityof service, and reduced the coverage capabilities of many networkdevices (e.g., residential gateways). The wireless industry recognizedthese issues and developed standards for wireless routing protocols suchas a mesh access point (MAP) protocol, which allows for wireless devicesincluding wireless access point (APs) to communicate with each otherusing optimal paths for relaying data in a wireless network. The MAPprotocol is a wireless certified alliance (WFA) specification to enableinteroperability across wireless APs from different vendors in awireless network. The MAP protocol defines the control protocols betweenwireless APs as well as the data objects necessary to enable onboarding,provisioning, control, and management of wireless devices in a wirelessnetwork.

A wireless network implementing the MAP protocol (e.g., MAP network)generally includes one MAP controller (MAPC) device (e.g., masterdevice) and one or more MAP agent (MAPA) devices. Typically, a user oroperator configures the MAPC device using various configurationparameters. Additionally, the MAPC device obtains learned station (STA)information (e.g., band capability, steering friendly devices, etc.)from other wireless devices (e.g., APs, gateways, or extenders) in thewireless network. However, problems can arise in the control of thewireless network when the active MAPC device becomes out of network.

In this situation, no other MAPA device is able to assume the role ofthe active MAPC device because the configuration parameters and learnedSTA information remain with the active MAPC device, which is now out ofnetwork. Current MAP protocols have no solution to address this problem.Accordingly, the user or operator is required to reconfigure anotherwireless device (e.g., an MAPA device) to be the new active masterdevice. However, because the learned STA information is lost, it canaffect the steering algorithms implemented and the overall steeringoperations in the wireless network. Additionally, the new active masterdevice is required to obtained learned STA information by associatedwith the other MAPA devices in the wireless network, which can affectoverall system performance.

Thus, it would be advantageous and an improvement over the relevanttechnology to provide a smart control apparatus, system, method, andprogram that is capable providing seamless control in a wireless networkwhen an active MAPC device suddenly becomes out of network, such thatoverall system performance remains unaffected.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method forimplementing smart control in a wireless network. The method includesobtaining, using one wireless device, configuration parameters to setthe one wireless device as an active master device in the wirelessnetwork, and storing the configuration parameters and learned station(STA) information. Upon receiving updates in the configurationparameters and learned STA information, the active master deviceperiodically transmits the updates to the configuration parameters andthe learned STA information to the other wireless devices in thewireless network. The other wireless devices store the updates to theconfiguration parameters and learned STA information. Any one of theother wireless devices in the wireless network uses the updates to theconfiguration parameters and the learned STA information to be set as anew active master device in the wireless network when the active masterdevice becomes out of network.

In a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,messages are transmitted periodically between the plurality of wirelessdevices, and the new active master device is determined based on themessages received between the plurality of wireless devices or based onmessages being missed or not sent by the active master device. Themessages include information regarding networking capabilities of eachof the plurality of wireless devices to be the new active master device.

In a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, theactive master device creates a configuration database in a memory,periodically transmits a request for a message or a notificationexchange with the other wireless devices in the wireless network,performs updates to the configuration database, and transmits thedatabase changes and updates to the other wireless devices in thewireless network. The other wireless devices in the wireless networkstore the database changes and updates in respective memories.

An embodiment described in the present disclosure provides a system forimplementing smart control in a wireless network that includes aplurality of wireless devices. Each wireless device includes a userinterface, at least one hardware processor, a non-transitory memorystoring a program, and a network interface configured to establishconnections in the wireless network.

Each of the plurality of wireless devices executes their respectiveprograms using their respective hardware processors to obtain, using theuser interface of one wireless device, configuration parameters to setthe one wireless device as an active master device in the wirelessnetwork, and store the configuration parameters and the learned station(STA) information in a memory.

The active master devices receives using the network interface, updatesin the configuration parameters and learned STA information, andperiodically transmits using the network interface the updates to theconfiguration parameters and the learned STA information to the otherwireless devices in the wireless network. Any one of the other wirelessdevices in the wireless network uses the updates to the configurationparameters and the learned STA information to be set a new active masterdevice in the wireless network when the active master device becomes outof network.

The wireless network may be a mesh network, the active master device maybe a mesh access point (MAP) control device, and the other wirelessdevices may be MAP agent devices. The configuration parameters includeradio resource management (RRM) configuration data and basic service set(BSS) configuration data, and the learned STA information includes bandcapacity and band steering information. At least one of the otherwireless devices can be a cloud-based wireless device, and each of theplurality of wireless devices includes any one of a wireless accesspoint, a wireless gateway, and a wireless extender.

An embodiment described in the present disclosure provides a smartcontrol apparatus for implementing smart control in a wireless networkthat includes a user interface, at least one hardware processor, anon-transitory memory storing a program, and a network interfaceconfigured to establish connections in the wireless network. The leastone hardware processor executes the program to obtain, through the userinterface, configuration parameters to set the smart control apparatusas an active master device in the wireless network, and store, in thenon-transitory memory, the configuration parameters and learned station(STA) information.

The smart control device receives, through the network interface,updates in the configuration parameters and learned STA information, andperiodically transmits, using the network interface, the updates to theconfiguration parameters and the learned STA information to otherwireless devices in the wireless network. Any one of the other wirelessdevices in the wireless network uses the updates to the configurationparameters and the learned STA information to be set as a new activemaster device in the wireless network when the active master devicebecomes out of network.

An embodiment described in the present disclosure provides a smartcontrol apparatus that obtains periodically, through a networkinterface, configuration parameters and learned station (STA) from anactive master device in the wireless network; stores, in anon-transitory memory, the configuration parameters and learned station(STA) information; and sets, using the hardware processor, the smartcontrol apparatus as a new active master device when the active masterdevice becomes out of network.

An embodiment described in the present disclosure provides anon-transitory computer-readable recording medium in each of a pluralityof wireless devices for implementing smart control in a wirelessnetwork, each non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storingone or more programs which when executed by a respective hardwareprocessor perform the steps of the methods described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical,functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for implementing smart controlin a wireless network according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a more detailed schematic diagram of an exemplarysystem for implementing smart control in a wireless network according toan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a method for performing smart control in a wirelessnetwork according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a method for performing management of the smartcontrol devices in a wireless network according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is made with reference to theaccompanying drawings and is provided to assist in a comprehensiveunderstanding of various example embodiments of the present disclosure.The following description includes various details to assist in thatunderstanding, but these are to be regarded as merely examples.Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatvarious changes and modifications of the examples described herein canbe made without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions andconstructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description are merely used toenable a clear and consistent understanding of the present disclosure.Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that thefollowing description of the present disclosure is provided forillustration purposes only, and not for the purpose of limiting thepresent disclosure as defined by the appended claims and theirequivalents.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for implementing smart controlin a wireless network according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the system includes a wireless networkin which a gateway device 2 is connected to one or more wireless devicesincluding a wireless access point (AP) 1 and wireless extenders 4 forproviding services and/or content from a content provider 13 to one ormore end devices 8. It is comtemplated by the present disclosure thatthe wireless network can be a residential mesh network operating as alocal area network (LAN), wireless local area network, or virtual localarea network (VLAN), which can also be connected to one or morecloud-based devices including another wireless device 13 via theInternet 6.

The gateway device 2 is a wireless electronic device that routes contentand messages received from, for example, the content provider 13 toother devices in the wireless network (e.g., AP 1, wireless extenders 4,and end devices 8). The gateway device 2 can also be implemented toallow wireless devices to use and shared data in the wireless network.The gateway device 2 may have multiple uses such as, for example,allocating bandwidth, providing firewalls and other hosting functions.

The connections 10 between the gateway device 2 and the Internet 6 canbe implemented using a DSL connection, a cable modem, a broadband mobilephone network, or other similar connections. Additionally, theconnection 10 may be implemented using a wireless connection thatoperates in accordance with, but is not limited to, IEEE 802.11protocol, a Radio Frequency For Consumer Electronics (RF4CE) protocol,ZigBee protocol, Z-Wave protocol, or IEEE 802.15.4 protocol. It is alsocontemplated by the present disclosure that the gateway device 2 iscapable of providing connections between the wireless network and a widearea network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a virtual privatenetwork (VPN), metropolitan area networks (MANs), personal area networks(PANs), and wireless local area networks (WLANs), system area networks(SANs), a public switched telephone network (PTSA), a global Telexnetwork, or a 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G network using connection 10.

The connection 14 between the Internet 6 and the content provider 1 canbe implemented using a WAN, LAN, VPN, MANs, PANs, WLANs, SANs, a PTSA, aglobal Telex network, or a 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G network. The contentprovider 1 may be a cable television provider, a satellite televisionprovider, an internet service provider, or multiple system operators. Asshown in FIG. 1, the gateway device 2 also routes data and messages toand from the AP 1 and the wireless extenders 4 in the wireless networkusing connections 9. The connections 9 between the gateway device 2 andthe wireless extenders 4 and AP 1, and between the wireless extenders 4and the AP 1 are implemented using a wireless connection that operatesin accordance with, but is not limited to, IEEE 802.11 protocol, RF4CEprotocol, ZigBee protocol, Z-Wave protocol, or IEEE 802.15.4 protocol.

The AP 1 is a wireless electronic device that transmits and receivesdata and serves as an interconnection point in the wireless network. TheAP 1 may also provide data and messages received from the gateway device2 to an end device 8. The wireless extenders 4 are hardware electronicdevices that are used to extend the wireless network by receiving thesignals transmitted by the gateway device 2 and rebroadcasting thesignals to the end devices 8, which may be out of range of the gatewaydevice 2. The wireless extenders 3 also receive signals from the enddevices 8 and rebroadcast the signals to the gateway device 2.

The connections 11 between the wireless extenders 4 and the end devices8, and between the AP 1 and the end devices 8 are implemented through awireless connection that operates in accordance with, but is not limitedto, IEEE 802.11 protocol, RF4CE protocol, ZigBee protocol, Z-Waveprotocol, or IEEE 802.15.4 protocol. The connection 11 can also be awireless connection that operates in accordance with a Bluetoothprotocol or other short range protocols that operate in accordance witha wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distancesusing short-wavelength Ultra high frequency (UHF) radio waves from 2.4to 2.485 GHz.

The end devices 8 are, for example, client devices that include, but arenot limited to, a computer, a portable device, an electronic tablet, asmart phone, smart speakers, or other wireless hand-held consumerelectronic device capable of executing and displaying the contentreceived through the gateway device 2 and the wireless extenders 4. Asshown in FIG. 1, the gateway device 2 is also connected to a database 7.The database 7 can be used to store various network information,wireless device information, configuration parameters, and learnedstation (STA) information. The database 7 can be located in the wirelessnetwork or in a separate network connected to the wireless network suchas a WAN, LAN, VPN, MANs, PANs, WLANs, SANs, a PTSA, a global Telexnetwork, or a 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G network. Although the database 7 is shownin FIG. 1 as a separate device, the database 7 can be one or morememories or memory locations in any one of the wireless devices such asthe gateway device 2, the AP 1, or the wireless extenders 4 in thewireless network.

The connections 12 between the gateway device 2 and database 7 can beimplemented using a DSL connection, a cable modem, a broadband mobilephone network, or other similar connections. The connection 12 may alsobe implemented using a wireless connection that operates in accordancewith, but is not limited to, IEEE 802.11 protocol, RF4CE protocol,ZigBee protocol, Z-Wave protocol, or IEEE 802.15.4 protocol.Additionally, it is contemplated by the present disclosure that theconnection 12 may be capable of providing connections between thewireless network and a WAN, LAN, VPN, MANs, PANs, WLANs, SANs, a PTSA, aglobal Telex network, or a 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G network.

As shown in FIG. 1, the gateway device 2 can also be connected to othercloud-based devices such another wireless device 16 via the Internet 6.The wireless device 16 may have similar structure and networkingcapabilities of any one of the gateway device 2, the AP 1, and thewireless extender 4 in the wireless network. The connection 15 betweenthe Internet 6 and the wireless device 16 can be implemented using aWAN, LAN, VPN, MANs, PANs, WLANs, SANs, a PTSA, a global Telex network,or a 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G network. Although FIG. 1 only shows one gatewaydevice 2, one AP 1, two wireless extenders 4, and one cloud-basedwireless device 16, it is contemplated by the present disclosure thatthere could be any number of gateway devices 2, APs 1, and wirelessextenders 4, and wireless devices 16 implemented in or with the wirelessnetwork.

A detailed description of the exemplary internal components of thegateway device 2, the AP 1, the wireless extenders 4, and the wirelessdevice 16 shown in FIG. 1 will be provided in the discussion of FIG. 2.However, in general, it is contemplated by the present disclosure thatthe gateway device 2, the AP 1, the wireless extenders 4, and thewireless device 16 include electronic components or electronic computingdevices operable to receive, transmit, process, store, and/or managedata and information associated with the system, which encompasses anysuitable processing device adapted to perform computing tasks consistentwith the execution of computer-readable instructions stored in a memoryor a computer-readable recording medium.

Further, any, all, or some of the computing devices in the gatewaydevice 2, the AP 1, the wireless extenders 4, and the wireless device 16may be adapted to execute any operating system, including Linux, UNIX,Windows, MacOS, DOS, and ChromOS as well as virtual machines adapted tovirtualize execution of a particular operating system, includingcustomized and proprietary operating systems. The gateway device 2, theAP 1, the wireless extenders 4, and the wireless device 16 are furtherequipped with components to facilitate communication with othercomputing devices over the one or more network connections to local andwide area networks, wireless and wired networks, public and privatenetworks, and any other communication network enabling communication inthe system.

FIG. 2 illustrates a more detailed schematic diagram of an exemplarysystem for implementing smart control in a wireless network according toan embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 provides a more detaileddescription of the exemplary internal components of a master wirelessdevice and agent wireless devices implemented in the wireless system. Inthe exemplary system of FIG. 2, is assumed that the gateway device 2 isthe master device, and the AP 1 and the wireless extender 4 are theagent devices. However, it is contemplated by the present disclosurethat the role of the master device can be held by any one of the gatewaydevice 2, the AP 1, the wireless extender 4, and the wireless device 16.Similarly, the role of the agent device can be held by any one of thegateway device 2, the AP 1, the wireless extender, and the wirelessdevice 16. Although FIG. 2 only shows one gateway device 2, one AP 1,and one wireless extender 4, it is contemplated by the presentdisclosure that there could be any number of gateway devices 2, APs 1,and wireless extenders 4 in the wireless network. However, there is onlyone active master device and the remaining wireless devices take theroles of agent devices. Additionally, it is contemplated by the presentdisclosure that that the cloud-based wireless device 16 has similarinternal components to any one of gateway device 2, the AP 1, and thewireless extender 4 shown in FIG. 2.

Starting from left to right, the AP 1 includes a power supply 20, a userinterface 21, a network interface 22, a memory 23, and a controller 24.The power supply 20 supplies power to the internal components of the AP1 through the internal electrical bus 26. The power supply 20 includes aself-contained power source such as a battery pack with an interface tobe powered through an electrical charger connected to an outlet (e.g.,either directly or by way of another device). The power supply 20 canalso include a rechargeable battery that can be detached allowing forreplacement such as a nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride(NiMH), a lithium-ion (Li-ion), or a lithium Polymer (Li-pol) battery.

The user interface 21 includes, but is not limited to, push buttons, akeyboard, a keypad, a liquid crystal display (LCD), cathode ray tube(CRT), thin film transistor (TFT), light-emitting diode (LED), highdefinition (HD) or other similar display device including a displaydevice having touch screen capabilities so as to allow interactionbetween a user and the AP 1.

The network interface 22 includes various network cards, interfaces, andcircuitry implemented in software and/or hardware to enablecommunications between the AP 1, the gateway device 2 and the wirelessextenders 4 using connection 9. The various network cards, interfaces,and circuitry enable communications via connection 9 using a wirelessconnection that operates in accordance with, but is not limited to, IEEE802.11 protocol, RF4CE protocol, ZigBee protocol, or IEEE 802.15.4protocol.

The memory 23 includes a single memory or one or more memories or memorylocations that include, but are not limited to, a random access memory(RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM) a memory buffer, a harddrive, a database, an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), anelectrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a readonly memory (ROM), a flash memory, logic blocks of a field programmablegate array (FPGA), hard disk or any other various layers of memoryhierarchy. The memory 23 can be used to store any type of data,instructions, software, algorithms, processes, or operations forcontrolling the general functions of the AP 1 and including software 25for performing operations associated with smart control in the wirelessnetwork.

The controller 24 controls the general operations of the AP 1 andincludes, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), ahardware microprocessor, a multi-core processor, a single coreprocessor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a microcontroller, anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signalprocessor (DSP), or other similar processing device capable of executingany type of instructions, algorithms, or software for controlling theoperation and performing the functions of the AP 1. Communicationbetween the components (e.g., 20-24) of the AP 1 are established usingthe internal electrical bus 26.

The gateway device 2 includes a power supply 28, a user interface 29, anetwork interface 30, a controller 31, and a memory 32. The power supply28 supplies power to the internal components of the gateway device 2through the internal electrical bus 34. The power supply 28 includes aself-contained power source such as a battery pack with an interface tobe powered through an electrical charger connected to an outlet (e.g.,either directly or by way of another device). The power supply 28 canalso include a rechargeable battery that can be detached allowing forreplacement such as a NiCd, a NiMH, a Li-ion, or a Li-pol battery.

The user interface 29 includes, but is not limited to, push buttons, akeyboard, a keypad, LCD, CRT, TFT, LED, HD or other similar displaydevice including a display device having touch screen capabilities so asto allow interaction between a user and gateway device 2. The networkinterface 30 includes various network cards, interfaces, and circuitryimplemented in software and/or hardware to enable communications betweenthe gateway device 2 and the AP 1 and the wireless extender 4 usingconnections 9. The various network cards, interfaces, and circuitryenable communications via connections 9 using a wireless connection thatoperates in accordance with, but is not limited to, IEEE 802.11protocol, RF4CE protocol, ZigBee protocol, or IEEE 802.15.4 protocol. Itis also contemplated by the present disclosure that various networkcards, interfaces, and circuitry implemented in software and/or hardwareof the network interface 30 enable communications between the gatewaydevice 2 and a WAN, a LAN, a VPN, MANs, PANs, WLANs, SANs, PTSA, aglobal Telex network, or a 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G network.

The controller 31 controls the general operations of gateway device 2and includes, but is not limited to, a CPU, a hardware microprocessor, amulti-core processor, a single core processor, an FPGA, amicrocontroller, an ASIC, a DSP, or other similar processing devicecapable of executing any type of instructions, algorithms, or softwarefor controlling the operation and performing the functions of thegateway device 2.

The memory 33 includes a single memory or one or more memories or memorylocations that include, but are not limited to, a RAM, a DRAM, a memorybuffer, a hard drive, a database, an EPROM, an EEPROM, a ROM, a flashmemory, logic blocks of an FPGA, hard disk or any other various layersof memory hierarchy. The memory 32 can be used to store any type ofdata, instructions, software, algorithms, processes, or operations forcontrolling the general functions of the gateway device 2 and includingsoftware 33 for performing operations associated with smart control ofin the wireless network. Communication between the components (e.g.,28-32) of the gateway device 2 are established using the internalelectrical bus 34.

The wireless extender 4 includes a power supply 35, a user interface 36,a network interface 37, a controller 38, and a memory 39. The powersupply 35 supplies power to the internal components of the wirelessextender 4 through an internal electrical bus 41. The power supply 35includes a self-contained power source such as a battery pack with aninterface to be powered through an electrical charger connected to anoutlet (e.g., either directly or by way of another device). The powersupply 35 can also include a rechargeable battery that can be detachedallowing for replacement such as a NiCd, a NiMH, a Li-ion, or a Li-polbattery.

The user interface 36 includes, but is not limited to, push buttons, akeyboard, a keypad, LCD, CRT, TFT, LED, HD or other similar displaydevice including a display device having touch screen capabilities so asto allow interaction between a user and the wireless extender 4. Thenetwork interface 37 includes various network cards, interfaces, andcircuitry implemented in software and/or hardware to enablecommunications between the wireless extender 4 and the AP 1 and betweenthe wireless extender 4 and the gateway device 2 using connections 9.The various network cards, interfaces, and circuitry enablecommunications via connections 9 using a wireless connection thatoperates in accordance with, but is not limited to, IEEE 802.11protocol, RF4CE protocol, ZigBee protocol, or IEEE 802.15.4 protocol.

The controller 38 controls the general operations of the wirelessextender 4 and includes, but is not limited to, a CPU, a hardwaremicroprocessor, a multi-core processor, a single core processor, anFPGA, a microcontroller, an ASIC, a DSP, or other similar processingdevice capable of executing any type of instructions, algorithms, orsoftware for controlling the operation and performing the functions ofthe wireless extender 4.

The memory 39 includes a single memory or one or more memories or memorylocations that include, but are not limited to, a RAM, a DRAM, a memorybuffer, a hard drive, a database, an EPROM, an EEPROM, a ROM, a flashmemory, logic blocks of an FPGA, hard disk or any other various layersof memory hierarchy. The memory 39 can be used to store any type ofdata, instructions, software, algorithms, processes, or operations forcontrolling the general functions of the wireless extender 4 andincluding software 40 for performing operations associated with smartcontrol of in the wireless network. Communication between the components(e.g., 35-39) of the wireless extender 4 are established using theinternal electrical bus 41.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method for performing smart control in a wirelessnetwork according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 3,the method illustrates operations between the gateway device 2, the AP1, and the wireless extender 4 in performing smart control in thewireless network of FIG. 1

It is contemplated by the present disclosure that the wireless networkimplements MAP protocol (e.g., MAP network). It is assumed that themaster device (e.g., MAP controller (MAPC) device) is the gateway device2 and one or more MAP agent (MAPA) devices are the AP 1 and the wirelessextenders 4.

In step S1, a user or operator 50 configures the gateway device 2 as theactive master device (e.g., MAPC device) using various configurationparameters such as steering parameters, radio resource management (RRM)parameters, and basic service set (BSS) parameters. In step S2, thesoftware 33 of the gateway device 2 stores the various configurationparameter as well as learned station (STA) information (e.g., bandcapability, steering friendly devices, etc.) in, for example, the memory32, which is obtained from other wireless devices (e.g., APs 1 andwireless extenders 4) in the wireless network. The learned STAinformation is important for implementing steering algorithms andperforming overall steering operations in the wireless network. Thesoftware 33 of the gateway device 2 uses the various configurationparameters to implement logic for controlling the fronthaul wirelessdevices (e.g., AP 1 and wireless extender 4) and the backhaul links inthe wireless network. On the other hand, the AP 1 and the wirelessextender 4 take the role of agent devices (e.g., MAPA devices) and usetheir respective software 25, 40 to implement logic to executeinstructions and report measurements and networking capability data fromthe fronthaul wireless devices (e.g., APs and wireless extenders 4),clients, and backhaul links in the wireless network. In the wirelessnetwork, although there may be several MAPC capable devices (e.g., AP 1,gateway device 2, and wireless extenders 4), there is only one MAPCcapable device that takes the role as the active MAPC device (i.e.,master device). In FIG. 2, it is assumed that the master device is thegateway device 2. Once there is an active master device in the wirelessnetwork, the rest of the wireless devices serve agent devices (e.g.,MAPAs).

In step S3, the software 33 of the gateway device 2 will report anyupdates in the configuration parameters and updates in any learned STAinformation to the AP 1. In step S4, the software 25 of the AP 1 willstore the updates in the configuration parameters and updates in anylearned STA information in the memory 23, and in step S5, the software25 of the AP 1 will send a response message back to the gateway device 2indicating that the updates in the configuration parameters and updatesin any learned STA information have been stored. In step S6, thesoftware 33 of the gateway device 2 will report the same updates in theconfiguration parameters and the updates in any learned STA informationto the wireless extender 4.

In step S7, the software 40 of the wireless extender 4 will store theupdates in the configuration parameters and updates in the learned STAinformation in the memory 39, and in step S8, the software 40 of thewireless extender 4 will send a response message back to the gatewaydevice 2 that the updates in the configuration parameters and updates inthe learned STA information have been stored. In step S9, the software33 of the gateway device 2 will transmit a message back to the user oroperator 50, once all the response messages are received from the AP 1and the wireless extenders 4. The process in steps S2-S8 fortransmitting of the updates in configuration parameters and the learnedSTA information by the master device 2 and storing of the updates by theagent devices 1, 4 is done periodically so that each of the agentdevices 1, 4 is capable of using the configuration parameters andlearned STA information to be set as a new master device when thecurrent master device 1 becomes out of network. Out of network meansthat the active master MAPC device becomes damaged, disabled, powereddown, removed from the network, or unable to perform its controlfunctions in the wireless network.

Information and messaging between the gateway device 2, the AP 1, andthe wireless extender 4 in the wireless network is accomplished using aproprietary message exchange using, for example, MAP, and high leveldesign (HLD) type length values (TLVs) configuration data.

The following is sample message data for sharing information between thegateway device 2 (e.g., master device (MAPC)) and the AP 1 and thewireless extender 4 (e.g., agent device (MAPC)) in the wireless networkthe using MAP configuration data.

Sample MAP Configuration Data:

Steering Configuration Parameters { “SteeringConfig”: {“steeringTypeControl”: 2, “triggerEventEnable”: 27,“staLinkQualityMetric”: 10, “trafficThreshold”: 100,“targetSTASelectionDelay”: 15, “forcedSteer”: 0, “maxSteerFailureCount”:3, ... ... } RRM Configuration Parameters { “RRMConfig”: {“NonOperableChannels”: “”, “ReEntryMode”: 1, “ReEntryTime”: “03:30”,“ReEntryTrafficLimit”: 1024 } } BSS Configuration Parameters { “BSS”: [{ “ssid”: “ARRISFH_d8cb8ab547cd”, “opclass”: “8x”, “authType”: 32,“encType”: 8, “extFlags”: 32, “enabled”: 1, “steerEnable”: false,“priority”: 0 },  ... }

The following is sample message data for sharing information between thegateway device 2 (e.g., master device (MAPC)) and the AP 1 and wirelessextender 4 (e.g., agent device (MAPC)) in the wireless network using HLDTLV configuration data.

Field Length Value Description tlvType 1 octet 0xXX MAP ConfigurationTLV tlvLength 2 Variable Number of octets in ensuing field tlvValue 1octet Variable Steering TypeControl 1 octet Variable SteeringTriggerEventEnable 1 octet Variable Steering StaLinkQualityMetric 1octet Variable Steering TrafficThreshold 1 octet Variable SteeringForcedSteer 1 octet Variable Steering MaxSteerFailureCount x octetsVariable Other Steering configurations 1 octet Variable RRM ReEntryMode1 octet Variable RRM ReEntry Time Hour 1 octet Variable RRM ReEntry TimeMinute 2 octets Variable RRM ReEntryTrafficLimit y octets Variable OtherRRM configurations 1 octet k Num of BSS configuration 1 octet n SSIDlength n octet Variable SSID I octet Variable Operating Class 1 octetVariable AuthType z octets Variable Other BSS Configurations The above 5fields are repeated k - 1 time. repeated

The above description of smart control in the wirelss network allows anyMAPC capble device (e.g., AP 1 or wireless extender 4) to be set as thenew active MAPC (e.g., master device) in the wireless network when thereis an indication that the current active master MAPC device (e.g.,gateway device 2) becomes out of network. That is, the wireless devices(e.g., gateway device 2, AP 1 and wireless extender 4) in the wirelessnetwork periodically transmit messages (e.g., as noted above) betweeneach other. If there is an indication that the current active masterMAPC device (e.g., gateway device 2) is missing messages, not respondingto messages, or failing to transmit messages to the other MAPC capabledevices (e.g., AP 1 or wireless extender 4) in the wireless network, itwill be assumed that the current active master MAPC device (e.g.,gateway device 2) is out of network.

Based on the messaging and data exchange (e.g., in the messages) betweenthe MAPC capable devices (e.g., AP 1 or wireless extender 4) in thewireless network, one of the capable MAPC devices (e.g., AP 1 orwireless extender 4) will be set as the new active master MAPC device.That is, messaging and data exchange (e.g., in the messages) between theMAPC capable devices (e.g., AP 1 or wireless extender 4), gives eachwireless device in the wireless network information regarding thecapability of a wireless device to take on the role of the active masterMAPC device. This smart control of the wireless network allows for theseamless control over the wireless network while avoiding manualconfiguration operations having to be performed by a user or operator50.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method for performing management of the smartcontrol devices in a wireless network according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In FIG. 4, it is assumed that the wireless devices(e.g., gateway device 2, AP 1, and wireless extender 4) in the wirelessnetwork periodically transmit messages (e.g., as noted above) betweeneach other. For example, the messages are transmitted between allwireless devices in the wireless network periodically and upon start-upof each of the wireless devices. The messaging and data exchange (e.g.,in the messages) between the wireless devices (e.g., gateway device 2,AP 1, and wireless extender 4) gives each wireless device in thewireless network information regarding the capability of a wirelessdevice such that the roles of each of the devices (e.g., master deviceMAPC or MMAPC device; or MAPA or MAPC capable agent device) can beidentified.

In step S21, based on the messaging and data exchange (e.g., in themessages) between the wireless devices (e.g., gateway device 2, AP 1,and wireless extender 4) in the wireless network, the roles of each ofthe wireless devices are identified and, in step S22, the identifiedroles are assigned (e.g., master device MAPC or MMAPC device; or MAPA orMAPC capable agent device). Once the roles are assigned to the wirelessdevices (e.g., gateway device 2, AP 1, and wireless extender 4) in thewireless network, activities associated with each of the roles areperformed. For example, in step S23, if is determined that a wirelessdevice is assigned the role as the MMAPC device (e.g., gateway device2), in step S24, the MMAPC device (e.g., software 33 of the gatewaydevice 2) will create a configuration database such as database 7. Thedatabase 7 can be used to store various network information, wirelessdevice information, configuration parameters, and learned station (STA)information. The database 7 can be located in the wireless network or ina separate network connected to the wireless network such as a WAN, LAN,VPN, MANs, PANs, WLANs, SANs, a PTSA, a global Telex network, or a 2G,3G, 4G or 5G network. Although the database 7 is shown in FIG. 1 as aseparate device, the database 7 could be one or more memories or memorylocations in any one of the wireless devices such as the gateway device2, the AP 1, or the wireless extender 4 in the wireless network.

In step S25, the MMAPC device (e.g., software 33 of the gateway device2) transmits a request or notification for performing messaging betweenall the wireless devices in the wireless network (e.g., gateway device2, AP 1 and wireless extender 4). In step S26, the MMAPC device (e.g.,software 33 of the gateway device 2) will perform updates to thedatabase. The updates may include, but are not limited to, variousnetwork configuration information, wireless device configurationinformation, and learned station (STA) information. In step S27, theupdates in the database are transmitted from the MMAPC device (e.g.,software 33 of the gateway device 2) to the other MAPA or MAPC capableagent devices (e.g., AP 1 and wireless extender 4) in the wirelessnetwork. In step S28, the MMAPC device (e.g., software 33 of the gatewaydevice 2), periodically checks the health of the wireless network andhealth of the MAPA or MAPC capable agent devices (e.g., AP 1 andwireless extender 4) in the wireless network. The health of the wirelessnetwork and the health of the MAPA or MAPC capable agent devices (e.g.,AP 1 and wireless extender 4) in the wireless network may be based on,for example, the request or notification for performing messagingbetween all the wireless devices in the wireless network (e.g., gatewaydevice 2, AP 1 and wireless extender 4), as in step S25. Additionally,it is contemplated by the present disclosure that steps S25-S28 arerepeated periodically by the MMAPC device (e.g., software 33 of thegateway device 2) in the performing of management of the smart controldevices in a wireless network.

In step S23, if it is determined that the assigned device is not theMMAPC device (e.g., the gateway device 2), then it is assumed to be anassigned MAPA or MAPC capable agent device (e.g., AP 1 and wirelessextender 4), and in step 29, it is determined if the MMAPC device (e.g.,the gateway device 2) is active in the wireless network. The activity ofthe MMAPC device may be based, for example, on the request ornotification for performing messaging between all the wireless devicesin the wireless network (e.g., gateway device 2, AP 1 and wirelessextender 4 (e.g., as in step S25). If it is determined that the MMAPCdevice (e.g., gateway device 2) is active, then in step S30, the MAPA orMAPC capable agent devices (e.g., AP 1 and wireless extender 4) willupdate their own databases or memories to reflect the updates in thedatabase reported by the MMAPC device (e.g., gateway device 2).

The wireless devices (e.g., gateway device 2, AP 1, and wirelessextender 4) periodically transmit messages in the wireless network(e.g., as noted above) between each other, and there can be interferenceor conflicts in the messaging being performed. In step S31, each of theMAPA or MAPC capable agent devices (e.g., AP 1 and wireless extender 4)will perform back-off operations for a random time period (e.g., afraction of a second) to avoid interference or conflicts in themessaging. If there are still interferences or conflicts afterperforming the back-off operation for the first time, then the back-offoperations will be repeated. After the back-off operation (e.g., afraction of a second), the MAPA or MAPC capable agent devices (e.g., AP1 and wireless extender 4) will repeat the operations in steps S29-S30.In step S29, if it is determined that the assigned MMAPC device (e.g.,gateway device 2) is not active, then in step S32, each of the MAPA orMAPC capable agent devices (e.g., AP 1 and wireless extender 4) willperform a back-off operation for a random time (e.g., a fraction of asecond), and then perform operations for assigning the roles to each ofthe wireless devices, as in step S22. However, if there is interferenceor conflicts after performing the back-off operation the first time,then the back-off operation will be repeated.

Based on the messaging and data exchange (e.g., in the messages) betweenthe MAPC capable devices (e.g., AP 1 or wireless extender 4) in thewireless network, one of the capable MAPC devices (e.g., AP 1 orwireless extender 4) will be set as the new active master MAPC device.That is, messaging and data exchange (e.g., in the messages) between theMAPC capable devices (e.g., AP 1 or wireless extender 4), gives eachwireless device in the wireless network information regarding thecapability of a wireless device to take on the role of the active masterMAPC device. This smart control of the wireless network allows for theseamless control over the wireless network while avoiding manualconfiguration operations having to be performed by a user or operator50.

The present disclosure may be implemented as any combination of anapparatus, a system, an integrated circuit, and a computer program on anon-transitory computer readable recording medium. The one moreprocessors may be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC), anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or large scaleintegrated circuit (LSI), system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI componentsthat perform a part or all of the functions described in the presentdisclosure.

The present disclosure includes the use of software, applications,computer programs, or algorithms. The software, applications, computerprograms, or algorithms can be stored on a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium for causing a computer, such as the one or moreprocessors, to execute the steps described in FIGS. 3 and 4. Forexample, the one or more memories stores software or algorithms withexecutable instructions and the one or more processors can execute a setof instructions of the software or algorithms in association withperforming smart control in a wireless network according to theembodiments of the present disclosure.

The software and computer programs, which can also be referred to asprograms, software applications, applications, components, or code,include machine instructions for a programmable processor, and can beimplemented in a high-level procedural language, an object-orientedprogramming language, a functional programming language, a logicalprogramming language, or an assembly language or machine language. Theterm computer-readable recording medium refers to any computer programproduct, apparatus or device, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk,solid-state storage device, memory, and programmable logic devices(PLDs), used to provide machine instructions or data to a programmabledata processor, including a computer-readable recording medium thatreceives machine instructions as a computer-readable signal.

By way of example, a computer-readable medium can comprise DRAM, RAM,ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storageor other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be usedto carry or store desired computer-readable program code in the form ofinstructions or data structures and that can be accessed by ageneral-purpose or special-purpose computer, or a general-purpose orspecial-purpose processor. Disk or disc, as used herein, include compactdisc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD),floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce datamagnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers.Combinations of the above are also included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media.

Use of the phrases “capable of,” “capable to,” “operable to,” or“configured to” in one or more embodiments, refers to some apparatus,logic, hardware, and/or element designed in such a way to enable use ofthe apparatus, logic, hardware, and/or element in a specified manner.The subject matter of the present disclosure is provided as examples ofapparatus, systems, methods, and programs for performing the featuresdescribed in the present disclosure. However, further features orvariations are contemplated in addition to the features described above.It is contemplated that the implementation of the components andfunctions of the present disclosure can be done with any newly arisingtechnology that may replace any of the above implemented technologies.

Additionally, the above description provides examples, and is notlimiting of the scope, applicability, or configuration set forth in theclaims. Changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elementsdiscussed without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.Various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures orcomponents as appropriate. For instance, features described with respectto certain embodiments may be combined in other embodiments.

Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein maybe applied to other variations without departing from the spirit orscope of the present disclosure. Throughout the present disclosure theterms “example,” “examples,” or “exemplary” indicate examples orinstances and do not imply or require any preference for the notedexamples. Thus, the present disclosure is not to be limited to theexamples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the widestscope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed.

We claim:
 1. A method for implementing smart control in a wirelessnetwork, the wireless network including a plurality of wireless devices,the method comprising: obtaining, using one wireless device,configuration parameters to set the one wireless device as an activemaster device in the wireless network, the active master devicecontrolling the other wireless devices and backhaul links in thewireless network; storing, using the active master device, theconfiguration parameters and learned station (STA) information;receiving, using the active master device, updates in the configurationparameters and learned STA information; and periodically transmitting,using the active master device, the updates to the configurationparameters and the learned STA information to the other wireless devicesin the wireless network, wherein any one of the other wireless devicesin the wireless network uses the updates to the configuration parametersand the learned STA information to be set as a new active master devicein the wireless network when the active master device becomes out ofnetwork.
 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprisingtransmitting, from each of the other wireless devices, a response to theactive master device that the updates to the configuration parametersand the learned network information have been received and stored. 3.The method according to claim 1, further comprising: using the activemaster device, creating a configuration database in a memory;periodically transmitting a request for a message or a notificationexchange with the other wireless devices in the wireless network;performing updates to the configuration database; transmitting databasechanges and updates to the other wireless devices in the wirelessnetwork, wherein the other wireless devices in the wireless networkstore the database changes and updates in respective memories.
 4. Themethod according to claim 3, further comprising: using the active masterdevice, periodically determining health of the wireless network andhealth of the other wireless devices in the wireless network.
 5. Themethod according to claim 1, further comprising: transmittingperiodically messages between the plurality of wireless devices, anddetermining the new active master device based on the messages receivedbetween the plurality of wireless devices or based on messages beingmissed or not sent by the active master device, wherein the messagesinclude information regarding capability of each of the plurality ofwireless devices to be the new active master device.
 6. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the wireless network is a mesh network,the active master device is a mesh access point (MAP) control device,and the other wireless devices are MAP agent devices.
 7. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein at least one of the other wireless devicesis a cloud-based wireless device.
 8. A non-transitory computer-readablerecording medium in each of a plurality of wireless devices forimplementing smart control in a wireless network, each non-transitorycomputer-readable recording medium storing one or more programs whichwhen executed by a respective hardware processor perform stepscomprising: obtaining, using one wireless device, configurationparameters to set the one wireless device as an active master device inthe wireless network, the active master device controlling the otherwireless devices and backhaul links in the wireless network; storing,using the active master device, the configuration parameters and learnedstation (STA) information; receiving, using the active master device,updates in the configuration parameters and learned STA information; andperiodically transmitting, using the active master device, the updatesto the configuration parameters and the learned STA information to theother wireless devices in the wireless network, wherein any one of theother wireless devices in the wireless network uses the updates to theconfiguration parameters and the learned STA information to be set as anew active master device in the wireless network when the active masterdevice becomes out of network.
 9. The non-transitory computer-readablerecording medium according to claim 8, further comprising transmitting,from each of the other wireless devices, a response to the active masterdevice that the updates to the configuration parameters and the learnednetwork information have been received and stored.
 10. Thenon-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to claim 8,further comprising: using the active master device, creating aconfiguration database in a memory; periodically transmitting a requestfor a message or a notification exchange with the other wireless devicesin the wireless network; performing updates to the configurationdatabase; and transmitting database changes and updates to the otherwireless devices in the wireless network, wherein the other wirelessdevices in the wireless network store the database changes and updatesin respective memories.
 11. The non-transitory computer-readablerecording medium according to claim 10, further comprising: using theactive master device, periodically determining health of the wirelessnetwork and health of the other wireless devices in the wirelessnetwork.
 12. The non-transitory computer-readable recording mediumaccording to claim 8, further comprising: transmitting periodicallymessages between the plurality of wireless devices, and determining thenew active master device based on the messages received between theplurality of wireless devices or based on messages being missed or notsent by the active master device, wherein the messages includeinformation regarding capability of each of the plurality of wirelessdevices to be the new active master device.
 13. A system forimplementing smart control in a wireless network, the system comprising:a plurality of wireless devices, each including, a user interface; atleast one hardware processor; a non-transitory memory storing a program;and a network interface configured to establish connections in thewireless network, wherein each of the plurality of wireless devicesexecutes their respective programs using their respective hardwareprocessors to perform the following: obtain, using the user interface ofone wireless device, configuration parameters to set the one wirelessdevice as an active master device in the wireless network, the activemaster device controlling the other wireless devices and backhaul linksin the wireless network; store in the non-transitory memory of theactive master device, the configuration parameters and learned station(STA) information; receive using the network interface of the activemaster device, updates in the configuration parameters and learned STAinformation; and periodically transmit using the network interface ofthe active master device, the updates to the configuration parametersand the learned STA information to the other wireless devices in thewireless network, wherein any one of the other wireless devices in thewireless network uses the updates to the configuration parameters andthe learned STA information to be set a new active master device in thewireless network when the active master device becomes out of network.14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the wireless network is amesh network, the active master device is a mesh access point (MAP)control device, and the other wireless devices are MAP agent devices.15. The system according to claim 13, wherein configuration parametersinclude radio resource management (RRM) configuration data and basicservice set (BSS) configuration data.
 16. The system according to claim13, wherein the learned STA information includes band capacity and bandsteering information.
 17. The system according to claim 13, wherein atleast one of the other wireless devices is a cloud-based wirelessdevice.
 18. The system according to claim 14, wherein each of theplurality of wireless devices includes any one of a wireless accesspoint, a wireless gateway, and a wireless extender.
 19. A smart controlapparatus in a wireless network comprising: a user interface; at leastone hardware processor; a non-transitory memory storing a program; and anetwork interface configured to establish connections in wirelessnetwork, wherein the at least one hardware processor executes theprogram to perform the following: obtain, through the user interface,configuration parameters to set the smart control apparatus as activemaster device in the wireless network, the active master devicecontrolling other wireless devices in the wireless network and backhaullinks in the wireless network; store, in the non-transitory memory, theconfiguration parameters and learned station (STA) information; receive,through the network interface, updates in the configuration parametersand learned STA information; and periodically transmit, using thenetwork interface, the updates to the configuration parameters and thelearned STA information to other wireless devices in the wirelessnetwork, wherein any one of the other wireless devices in the wirelessnetwork uses the updates to the configuration parameters and the learnedSTA information to be set as a new active master device in the wirelessnetwork when the active master device becomes out of network.
 20. Asmart control apparatus in a wireless network comprising: a userinterface; at least one hardware processor; a non-transitory memorystoring a program; and a network interface configured to establishconnections in wireless network, wherein the at least one hardwareprocessor executes the program to perform the following: obtainperiodically, through the network interface, configuration parametersand learned station (STA) from an active master device in the wirelessnetwork, the active master device controlling other wireless devices inthe wireless network and backhaul links in the wireless network; store,in the non-transitory memory, the configuration parameters and learnedstation (STA) information; and set, using the at least one hardwareprocessor, the smart control apparatus as a new active master devicewhen the active master device becomes out of network.